A Rose in Winter

I am an avid reader and therefore must always have a book in hand. "A Rose in Winter" was the only one available at the time and though it is not of my preferred genre I was desperate. I LOVED THIS BOOK. Yes it was steamy but it was also believable for the time period and carried a high quality romance that was built between the damsel and her husband that was not based on looks since she never sees him without his mask. Yes, there is another man that pulls at her desire, but for all its worth her decision is to be with her husband which as it turns out is the best decision for everyone. Even if you are not a romance novel enthusiast I highly recomend this book! It is a much better version of "Phantom and the Opera." I only wish it were longer.

I read this book years ago and it has always remained one of my favorite novels. Shanna & this book are the top two books by Kathleen E. Woodiwiss in my opinion (Ashes in the Wind was very good as well). She creates such chemistry between her characters & there is always a bit of mystery to keep you guessing.

A Rose in Winter, the BEST of Kathleen Woodiwiss' novels. If you haven't yet read this, buy it new, buy it used but buy it because it's a keeper!!! Woodiwiss' manages to hold the reader as captive as the characters! All you could want from start to splendid finish...the romance, the love, the wonder, the excitement and much more suspence than most. Not a run-of-the mill predictable piece but a true romantic work of art! Woodiwiss' style is superb with her noted flair for colorful attention to character, time period, attire (a promise..not a word is wasted). I was so captivated, I couldn't put the book down. This novel has been in my library for years & is one that's truly worth reading time and time again. A romantic high worthy of 5+ stars--so once you begin, give yourself the luxury of hours to enjoy. You'll not regret one page of this engaging, enchanting fairy tale.

I was 17 when my father purchased this book for me, just getting into historical romance. I am now 37 years old. I have the big version of this book so you know it is old. But that does not stop me from pulling it out every year and reading it again. No matter how many times I read it, I find something new that I did not see before and I find it very hard to put the book down. The story had everything in it that makes a book worth reading. It has comedy, romance, suspense, tragedy, and hope. the characters were very lovable and real to life. I only wish that Ms. Woodiwiss wrote a sequel to it. I have been waiting for many years to see one. I hope not to be disappointed. Erienne and Christopher are an adorable couple. Please continue their story, or maybe tell her brother's story and let Erienne and Christopher come for a visit.........

A new take on the Beauty and the Beast story, A Rose in Winter is one of my top 3 romance novels. Once I picked it up, I couldn't put it down. Erienne is a colorful, willful, and proud character that readily jumps out of the pages, making it easy to relate with her. Christopher was a devious and thoroughly devastating character, it was impossible not to fall for him. The story was enticing and romantic, it was magnificently written. I was able to form a mental image of all the characters and the background as if seeing it on television. Being a romantic at heart, I truly love this book! My wish is that other writers would keep to the same formula Ms. Woodiwiss does, romance is in the way you seduce through looks and anticipation before touch. I now believe in romance and true love.